Even the best in the business sometimes have bad performances, no matter which sport it is.
Sometimes, you just don’t have it.
Last night, that was the case for New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who just couldn’t find the strike zone in his start against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
Though the Yankees did end up winning the game by a final of 4-2, it didn’t change how poorly things went for their marquee pitcher.
Cole only lasted an inning and two-thirds, surrendering both Tiger runs, walking five batters, and throwing 68 pitches, only 37 of which were strikes.
On a more positive note, he did manage to strike out three batters.
Gerrit Cole's line: 1.2 IP, 1 hit, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3K / 68 pitches, 37 strikes
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) April 20, 2022
A Rough Night
Clearly, Cole had a rough night.
He isn’t exactly off to the best start in 2022.
He’s winless in his three starts and has lasted just 11 1/3 innings, posting a poor 6.35 ERA.
The Yankees rotation has been performing well as of late, but Cole has not been a part of it.
His best start came on April 13, when he went 5 2/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays.
That was the night Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit three home runs.
Cole just wasn’t so lucky in Detroit on Tuesday night.
The win put the Yankees at 6-5 and brought them into a three-way first-place tie with the Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox.
Though it is still early, starting off in such a way for Cole has to be a concern for the Yankees, who signed him to a nine-year, $324 million contract prior to the 2020 season.
Cole is off to a shaky start in 2022, which puts a casts a little doubt on the Yankees and their pitching staff.
But there’s always the next start.
NEXT: Nestor Cortes Gives Thanks After His Amazing Start